Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

On the viewing platform, the crowd was excited, raising their arms and shouting, responding enthusiastically.

Some of these forces may have been vassals of the Heavenly Underworld Palace.

It's also possible that the Heavenly Underworld Palace arranged for someone to set up the scene beforehand, to create an atmosphere.

But none of that matters now.

Most people are conformists and follow the crowd...

Seeing so many people join the Ze Alliance, he was afraid that he would be targeted if he didn't join.

Jiuyou stood below the stage, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"This Qingming Zhenren has quite the ambition; he actually wants to unify the exploration of the desolate marshes."

What makes him capable of doing what previous city lords of Huangze City couldn't?

The establishment of the Ze Alliance may indeed be beneficial to the exploration of marshes in the northern airspace.

At least on the surface, with a Core Formation power taking the lead, the various forces that joined the Ze Alliance were able to unite for a short time and conquer some misty areas.

But what happens after you conquer it?

Finally, and most importantly, in the prize-sharing stage, it still comes down to skill!

As the leader and possessing Core Formation level combat power, Tianming Palace naturally has the strongest strength and receives the most!

This is only in an ideal scenario...

The worst outcome would be:

Countless low-level cultivators who joined the Ze Alliance worked tirelessly to explore and develop the land.

When it came time to divide the spoils, they were kicked aside!

The saying goes, "One is weak and powerless, and one's voice carries little weight."

Qingming Zhenren repeatedly stated that members of the Zemeng Alliance must not kill each other.

But the marshland is so vast that even ten more Core Formation stage cultivators wouldn't be able to keep an eye on it.

As long as no one discovers it, those who kill to steal treasure will still kill to steal treasure!

Perhaps the Heavenly Underworld Palace will strike first—and then make up some excuse afterwards:

This person was killed by a demonic beast, that person was poisoned by miasma, it has nothing to do with me...

Anyway, no one saw it, so it's up to the Heavenly Palace to decide.

"The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak and the big fish eat the little fish, has always been an ironclad rule in the cultivation world. I only believe in my own fists..."

Jiuyou couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

However, it was only when the number of people around them increased that they began to express their intention to join.

Jiuyou understood that it was still not advisable to openly disagree...

Master Qingming was watching from above.

Moreover, they had just taken action to "make an example of someone."

"Although I am merely a rogue cultivator, I am willing to join the Ze Alliance and contribute to the development of the waters!"

Jiuyou's eyes darted around, and he also raised his arms and shouted.

There's no harm in joining anyway; he can afford the membership fee.

With his own strength, apart from Core Formation cultivators, even Foundation Establishment cultivators at the peak of their cultivation could not pose any threat to him.

On the contrary, he can openly and legitimately obtain information for free!

"Not bad……"

Master Qingming sat above and nodded in satisfaction.

The dozens of Foundation Establishment forces present today, along with numerous independent cultivators, have all announced their membership in the Ze Alliance.

Qingming Zhenren knew that these people couldn't be completely devoted; they were mostly under pressure from his Core Formation stage.

Even so, he had already achieved half of his goal...

“I am very pleased that you all are willing to stand with me.”

As I said before, as long as you join the Ze Alliance, you can share information about the Ze.

Today, as you all bear witness, the Heavenly Underworld Palace is the first to take the lead!

Then, Master Qingming flicked his fingers repeatedly, and several beams of azure light merged into the hundred-foot-long map above.

Everyone looked closely and saw that in the southwest direction, a patch of mist was slowly dissipating, revealing a map below.

The winding route markings indicate where monster lairs are, where there are restrictions blocking the way, or various traps...

Everything is crystal clear!

"The fog has lifted!"

"Is this... the area where the Black Miasma Forest is located?"

"Could it be..."

Some people gasped in disbelief.

Master Qingming took in everyone's expressions and said with a faint smile:

"Indeed, my Heavenly Nether Palace had already dispatched teams to thoroughly investigate the Black Miasma Forest area... Now only one area remains unlit—that is, the area where the treasure is located!"

Our Heavenly Palace cordially invites you all to join us in exploring the Black Miasma Forest. Those who find its treasures will share in them!

As soon as Master Qingming said this, the room erupted in uproar and discussion!

Well known.

The Black Miasma Forest of Water and Marshland appeared a hundred years ago.

After the monks explored the area, they discovered the ruins of an ancient sect.

There are many more such ruins in the marshes.

However, the forest was shrouded in thick mist and lurking monsters...

For years, the monks have been able to only wander on the outskirts of the Black Miasma Forest, unable to find a safe route to venture deeper.

Even so, every year numerous cultivators still flock to it, diligently pursuing its teachings...

Even if you can't go deep inside, just killing a few rare mist demons on the outskirts can still make you break even.

The fact that Tianming Palace claimed to have found a safe route caused an uproar among the crowd.

"Really? A safe route through the Black Miasma Forest?"

"If we have this route, doesn't that mean we can safely reach the depths of the ancient sect's ruins?"

"Yes, that's an ancient sect with a profound foundation. They might have countless powerful magic treasures, high-level cultivation techniques, and even pills to help you break through your cultivation level..."

Everyone breathed heavily, their minds wandering.

Of course, there are also more level-headed individuals who have raised questions.

"The Black Miasma Forest has existed for over a hundred years. Why was there no safe route before, but it was discovered when the Heavenly Underworld Palace was exploring it?"

"Yes, I think it's best to be cautious..."

Jiuyou also crossed his arms and watched the show quietly.

He naturally didn't believe that the Heavenly Underworld Palace could be so kind.

Why would you share food with others instead of eating it all yourself?

Seeing that some people were still hesitant and questioning... Master Qingming snorted coldly and then announced a piece of news.

"This is not the achievement of Tianming Palace alone. The safe route through the Black Miasma Forest was discovered by me and the Huang family patriarch working together to explore it."

Furthermore, I, along with the Huang family patriarch, will personally lead this expedition!

With two Core Formation cultivators like us leading the way, what are you afraid of?

There's another Core Formation cultivator?!

This news struck everyone like a hammer blow, making their hearts pound!

"Huang...the patriarch of the Huang family?!"

"Could it be that senior known as the 'Imperial Celestial Master'?"

"Could it be that the Huang family is involved behind Ze Meng?"

"Hasn't the Huang family always lived in seclusion?"

The crowd was filled with doubt and speculation, and discussions arose among them.

Just then, a deep, weathered laugh rang out from an inconspicuous corner of the viewing platform.

The voice, though not loud, carried a unique sharpness, like a sword sweeping across, cutting off all noise and spreading throughout the entire venue.

"Hehe... Why would I, a recluse, be content to linger in the mountains and valleys? My heart holds the stars, awaiting my return!"

Those who heard it felt as if they had a thorn in their back, as if facing a formidable enemy!

Jiuyou's hair stood on end, his pupils contracted, and he instantly locked onto the source of the sound.

An elderly man dressed in an apricot-yellow robe slowly rose to his feet. He had a lean appearance, white hair, long eyebrows, and three wisps of beard on his chin.

The old man had been sitting there the whole time, but no one had paid him any attention before.

As he stood up, the aura of a Core Formation cultivator instantly spread out, silencing the entire audience.

"Is it really him... the Huang family patriarch—Huangtian Zhenren?"

For once, Jiu You's expression showed no sign of fluctuation.

When the city of Huangze was in chaos, Jiuyou witnessed Huang Tian take action firsthand.

Unexpectedly, more than a decade later, Huang Tian has become significantly stronger!

If the other party hadn't spoken up, even Jiuyou wouldn't have been able to discover that there was another Core Formation cultivator hiding at the scene all along!

It was clear that Jiuyou had observed the entire scene in advance.

"After all, I am a body cultivator, and spiritual sense detection is my weakness. If my physical body were here, I would definitely have detected him immediately..."

Jiuyou thought to himself.

His physical body cultivated the "Netherworld Tribulation of the Ghostly Souls," and his divine sense covered 15 miles, making him almost indistinguishable from a Core Formation cultivator.

However, if it were the real person... they probably wouldn't risk joining in this fun.

At this moment, Huang Tian stepped onto the sword and moved swiftly to stand beside Qingming Zhenren.

"Seclusion is only for the sake of transcending the world."

The Black Miasma Forest presents a rare opportunity, and as a clan dedicated to cultivating immortality, the Huang family would naturally not miss such a chance.

I can vouch for this with my Core Formation reputation. Every word of True Immortal Qingming is true. The Huang family will also join this expedition, and I will personally lead the team!

If you still have any concerns, please feel free to raise them…